A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Baltimore

Moving can actually be simple, and it will be easier if you have a solid plan in place. At Starving Students, we've quite literally helped thousands of Baltimore renters, homeowners, and businesses move since 1973. Today, we want to pass that expertise on to you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Our goal is to make your move the smoothest one yet.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Organizing Important Documents

• Start an organized folder for move paperwork
• Store all major agreements and service documents together
• Add receipts for moving expenses, utility setup, and any repairs or cleaning
• Keep copies of your change-of-address confirmation and important contact numbers
• Make backup scans of crucial documents, just in case

Decluttering

• Set aside things you want to bring to your new place
• List items on eBay/Facebook, Marketplace, or scheduled yard sale
• Arrange for junk removal or donation drop-offs
• Label your stuff by what stays, goes, or gets tossed

Give Away Items You Don’t Need

• Decide what to give to local organizations
• Schedule a pickup or drop off with Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another charity
• Organize donations so they’re easy to find on pickup day
• Offer things you can’t sell or donate to people you know

Sell Extra Stuff Before You Move

• Try selling extras through digital marketplaces
• Use good images and descriptions to attract buyers
• Pick a date and set up for a garage or yard sale
• Set up tables and get cash ready for customers

Don’t Lose Track of Key Files

• Track down any official paperwork you’ll need
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Get a secure container or digital solution for storage
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
• Spot which things might need more padding or special instructions

Documenting Your Valuables

• Snap pictures of your most expensive things
• Back up your photos digitally for easy access later
• Keep all image files in a labeled folder

Using Up Restricted Items

• Finish your fresh food before move day
• Use up or safely throw away cleaning supplies and anything hazardous that movers can't take
• Separate out all forbidden goods and check the rules for safe disposal

Managing Power, Water, and Other Services

• Look up which utility companies you'll need for your new place and your current one
• Double-check that services like gas or water are connected at the new home
• Call each company to arrange your move-out timing
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• Write down all service confirmations and keep them handy

Managing Banking and Storage

• Arrange to clear your safe deposit box if your moving long-distance
• Schedule time to empty or transfer items in storage
• Book an appointment with your bank or storage manager
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• Walk through every area to confirm everything is packed up

Updating Your Mailing Info

• File a change of address form to reroute your mail
• Update your address with your bank, credit cards, insurance, and any subscriptions you have

Informing Schools and Medical Providers

• Inform teachers, medical professionals, and veterinarians of your move
• Ask about transferring any records you'll need at your new place

Planning for Kids and Pets

• Pack a bag with snacks, toys, and comfort items to keep them happy and occupied
• Make sure you have any medications or special items your child or pet might need for the day
• If using a pet sitter or daycare, book early and confirm drop-off/pick-up times
• Double-check that pets have updated ID tags and are microchipped with your new address

Planning for Work Absences

• Talk to your employer about days off for your move
• Let your boss and coworkers know about your move so they can plan around your absence
• Prepare auto-replies so contacts know you’re moving
• Make a list of any urgent work tasks to finish before your days off
• Don’t forget to arrange for WiFi at your new home

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

Preparing the Layout of Your New Place

• Sketch out room arrangements before moving day
• Make sure there’s a clear path for oversized items
• Ensure every piece fits perfectly before the truck arrives
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Label your furniture and boxes with the room name to make moving day easier for everyone

Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe

• Hold on to passports, special keepsakes, and sensitive files
• Pack a small bag with chargers, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes for each family member
• Don’t pack your everyday essentials—keep them with you
• If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

Managing Entry and Exit

• Make sure nothing gets left behind for entry or exit
• Keep keys and cards handy for a smooth move-in

Move-In/Move-Out Requirements for Apartment and Condo Residents

• Contact building management in advance for rule details
• Ask if you need to provide insurance certificates for the movers
• See if you should book parking or elevator slots in advance
• Complete all forms before moving day to avoid delays
• Make sure you know the allowed moving hours for each building to avoid surprises

Making Sure Both Homes Are Clean

• Schedule a thorough cleaning to increase your chance of getting your deposit returned
• Have your new home cleaned before bringing in boxes
• Make a checklist of any areas you want the cleaners to pay special attention to
• If you're cleaning yourself, gather supplies and plan enough time to get it done

How to Handle Items Kept in Storage

• Let the storage company know your plans for pick-up
• Decide if you'll move those items yourself or have the movers handle it
• Inventory all stored goods for an easy move
• If you're moving to a new storage unit, reserve it in advance and confirm the address and hours

Let the Neighbors Know You Moving

• Let your neighbors know your moving date so they can expect extra activity and moving trucks
• Warn about possible disruptions to shared areas or parking
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Ensuring a Spot for Your Moving Vehicle

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• Reach out to arrange for street reservations or permits
• Secure your parking area in advance with easy to see markers or cones

Utility Arrangements

• Make sure every utility is disconnected at your old home and connected at the new address
• Confirm the start and stop dates with each provider so you're not left without service

Keeping Important Items Safe

• Start packing personal items you want to move yourself, like medications, keepsakes, and important documents
• Protect valuables by using strong packing boxes and storing them nearby
• Mark these items clearly so movers don’t accidentally pack them

Prepare an Essentials Box

• Prepare a go-bag with everything for your first nights in the new house
• Keep this essentials kit easily accessible during your move

Returning Borrowed Items

• Check your home for anything you need to give back
• Make sure no one is missing something you borrowed after you move

Prescription Transfers

• Call your pharmacy and arrange to have any prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy near your new home
• Refill prescriptions early to avoid running out during the transition

Getting Appliances Ready for the Move

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Clear out any remaining items so nothing is left behind
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Allow enough time to defrost your freezer in advance
• Make sure every appliance is completely dry

Finish Packing Non-Essentials

• Pack everything you won’t use right away
• Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Look over your items one last time before moving day

Review Details for Move Day

• Call or message your moving company to confirm the arrival time
• Go over details or unique needs with your crew
• Make sure you have contact info handy for the moving team on the day

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Collect everything from contracts to checklists
• Make sure keys and passes for every property are on hand
• Write down or save essential phone numbers for fast help
• Store all paperwork and small essentials for easy access

Get Suitcases Packed

• Pack a suitcase or overnight bag for each family member with enough clothes, pajamas, and toiletries for a few days
• Add comfort items, electronics, and quick-grab essentials to each bag

Gather Up Valuables and Important Documents

• Collect all vital paperwork like passports, birth certificates, and insurance paperwork before move day
• Set aside money, precious items, and family heirlooms
• Make sure valuables stay with you, not in the moving truck

Last-Minute Purge

• Take one more pass for anything that shouldn’t come along
• Dispose of, give away, or repurpose things you don’t need
• Look in hidden spots for overlooked belongings

Have Spending Money Ready

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Double-Check Arrangements for Kids and Pets

• Reconfirm the schedule and drop-off times
• Make sure communication is clear for hand-offs and updates

Prepare Garbage Cans for the Next Resident

• Clear out every trash can and recycling bin so nothing gets left behind
• Make sure nothing is left behind and everything is ready for the next resident

Arrange Help at Your New Home

• Arrange for a helper to greet service providers and deliveries
• Make sure someone is available to answer the door and supervise any set-up or installations

Safely Empty and Clean Out the Refrigerator

• Take out everything from both compartments
• Unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open to defrost
• Make sure no moisture remains to avoid unpleasant smells

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Freshen up the interior with a cleaning run or thorough wipe
• Ensure every part is moisture-free
• If you have a front-loading washer, secure the drum with moving bolts to protect it during the move
• Keep the door ajar so the interior dries fully

At Your Old Home

• Be on hand to provide instructions or guidance as needed
• Identify anything fragile or staying behind before loading begins

• Walk through each room with the movers as they take inventory of your belongings
• Make sure all your items are on the official moving inventory

• Ensure every container is tagged for correct placement
• Observe the move-out process to prevent mistakes

• Do a final security sweep to close up the property
• Power down everything before you lock up

• Inspect every nook and cranny for stray items
• Look behind doors and in drawers for any last items

• Leave all necessary keys, garage door openers, and gate remotes for the new occupants
• Write down any helpful tips or reminders for the new people

Getting Settled in Your New Place

• Get to your new home before the movers so you're ready to greet them and unlock the door
• Do a quick walk-through to make sure everything is ready for unloading

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• Put up temporary signs to help movers navigate

• As the movers bring things in, check off each item on your inventory list
• Look for dents or scratches before the movers leave

• If you notice any damage or problems, make a note of it on the moving paperwork before you sign anything
• Create visual evidence for claims if needed

• Make sure electricity, water, gas, and internet are all working
• Test major appliances like the stove, fridge, and washer/dryer to be sure they're running properly

• Take clear photos of your utility meters (electric, gas, water) as soon as you move in
• Store pictures as proof for future utility claims

• Consider changing the locks or getting new keys made for extra peace of mind
• Get permission from the property manager before making changes

Start with Must-Have Items

• Get out your pillows, sheets, and daily supplies as a top priority
• Double-check that each family member has comfort and basics for the evening

• Direct your helpers or crew to the most important areas
• Explain exactly where to place your belongings as you unpack

• Sort out cardboard and plastic for easy removal
• Ask your movers if they offer packing material removal, or find out where you can recycle or dispose of them locally

• Update your address on your driver's license, car registration, and voter registration
• Complete vehicle registration for your new residence
• Register your pets with the new city or county if needed

• Go out and make connections in your new nieghborhood
• A friendly hello can help you settle in and start building community

• Give movers the praise or suggestions they deserve

• Keep all files together for future use or proof of expenses
• Store documents safely for tax season or reimbursement

• Prepare a kit of quick-access items you’ll use before, during, and after moving
• Carry your essentials personally to avoid any last-minute scrambling

• Before unplugging your TV, computer, or entertainment center, take clear photos of the cable connections and setup
• Refer to your images for a hassle-free setup

• Pack a bag with pajamas, toiletries, towels, and bedding for each family member
• Add special items for comfort or reassurance

• Go online or visit your post office to set up mail forwarding
• Let all your subscription providers know where to send things

• Make a list of key emergency numbers for your new area—local police, fire department, nearest hospital, and a 24-hour pharmacy
• Save these contacts in your phone and keep a printed copy handy in your new home

Need Help With Your Baltimore Move?

When finding dependable movers is a priority in Baltimore, Starving Students sets the standard for value and customer care.

• Trust – Trusted by Baltimore families and businesses alike since 1973
• Professionalism – Every move is managed by skilled and careful staff
• Affordable Results – We're dedicated to delivering a lower final bill!

Don't stress about your upcoming move – trust the moving team from Starving Students to manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Baltimore Moving Quote or phone our team at (667) 217-1335 right now!